CM's bureaucratic silence leaves many guessing

Amidst the unfolding political drama over the controversial steel flyover project, what has left commentators surprised is the Chief Minister, H D Kumaraswamy and his bureaucratic silence. Many were anticipating a reaction from the Chief Minister in this regard.

As the CM is yet to come back from his foreign trip, the sudden announcements by the Congress leaders and ministers have left many confused.

Adding to the surprise is the prolonged silence of officials involved in the preparations and execution of the project.

HDK had previously slammed the project. It may be recalled that HD Kumaraswamy who was then the floor leader of the JD(S) in opposition had taken on the government over the controversial project.

Addressing a press conference on September 15, 2016, in Mysuru, HDK had termed the project ‘an attempt to feed Congress High Command’. “The ministers are claiming that the government has no funds to compensate farmers, but, from where does the government get Rs 1,800 crore to invest in the steel flyover?” HDK chided the govt then.

Interestingly, the state currently is no different from the situation in 2016. In fact, HDK recently requested the Union finance minister, Arun Jaitley, to extend the GST compensation period till 2025, citing slow progress of the state economy. Activists have questioned from where the CM will now arrange such hefty funds for a project which is vehemently opposed by the citizens.

Despite the heightened political slugfest, the officials from the state government refused to comment on anything pertaining to the project and remain tight-lipped.

“We are currently having an internal discussion with our officials and we will talk about this in a day or two,” Rakesh Singh, the BDA Commissioner told DH.

Similarly, BBMP Commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad was not available for comment.

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